Cardiovascular disease
Article Abstract:
An overview of recent research in the treatment of cardiovascular disease is offered. Surgical techniques discussed include carotid endarterectomy, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Carotid endarterectomy appears to be of questionable benefit in preventing strokes in patients who are asymptomatic. Its efficacy has not yet been evaluated in a large-scale, randomized trial. PTCA is emerging as an effective method for treating patients with acute myocardial infarction. Its main drawback is that only 18% of US hospitals are equipped to perform the surgery. CABG has been shown to provide more relief from the pain of angina. Antiarrhythmic drug therapy is often unsuccessful and implanted defibrillators seem to be more effective in preventing sudden death. The monitoring of blood cholesterol levels and anticoagulation therapy is also discussed.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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Cardiovascular disease
Article Abstract:
Thrombolytic therapy is not advantageous and may cause harm, according to findings of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Ischemia trial. Coronary patients are treated with heparin and aspirin, but a thrombin inhibitor is needed. Hirudin is this type of inhibitor, but has been associated with hemorrhagic stroke in trials, so lower doses of the agent will be used in subsequent trials. For patients with coronary artery disease, drugs to treat hypercholesterolemia may decrease mortality. Stroke incidence among patients 75 years and older taking warfarin was 3.6% compared to 4.8% for aspirin.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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